Vista - Problems starting programs using Start/Search Field/Program Name

there is this small frustration i'm having with Vista's Search option.

I am using Vista Home Premium [32b] [NO Service Pack installed], and there
is some time now since some of my programs wouldn't open using this neat
method Vista implemented introducing the "Search" field in the Start Menu.

This does not happen to all the programs i have installed. It only happens
with Microsoft Office and iTunes [sadly, i use these two quite a lot]. In the
past, i have tried reinstalling the applications, working on the Search
Index... everything seems to be alright, but, somehow there are some broken
links that i can't figure. The search is successful, the program name is
being offered as a result, but the program won't start when i hit "enter".
nor when i right click on it and select "Open".

I would really appreciate some help on the matter.
Yours, Sebastian.

"Sebastian Trandafir" <SebastianTrandafir@xxxxxx> wrote
in message news:1F54612C-24FC-4B30-92CE-9BA972613D91@xxxxxx
May I ask why you are using the Search function to find programs in the
first place? If you have the Start menu open, why not use the menu item for
either Office or ITunes and "pin" them to the Start menu?

"Gordon" <gordonbparker@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:eFXBTvCEJHA.2072@xxxxxx
Plus the fact that you REALLY REALLY ought to install SP1 (unless you have
mission -critical software that won't run with it installed, or you have
drivers that are not compatible...)

You dont mention version of Office;
Do you not have the 'New office doc' and 'Open Office doc' in your start
menu.
Depending on version of Office you may have to add this - see office help.

And if you type Word in the search it returns nothing?
'Microsoft Office' is not a program shortcut, its a folder name


"Sebastian Trandafir" <SebastianTrandafir@xxxxxx> wrote
in message news:1F54612C-24FC-4B30-92CE-9BA972613D91@xxxxxx

after a while since i posted the question... i found the resolution.
thank you all for bugging me about the SP1 install... in the end i had to do
it. i reinstalled Windows Vista, and then SP1 worked like a charm.
the start/search field/program name problem is now gone, i can finally use
this function as desired [i know, loads of you don't necessarly agree with
this way of using the function].
what else can i say?
just thanks a bunch for all of your replies and stuff.
yours, sebastian.